Thursday, August 13, 2009

First Nation Elections - Problems abound with current system - The Globe and Mail

An internal Indian Affairs document leaked to The Globe and Mail earlier this year notes 'long-standing problems' with the current system of electing the AFN national leader. It states that 252 reserves, or first nations, elect their chiefs and council according to the Indian Act, which requires an election every two years and a secret-ballot vote. Off-reserve members can also vote by mail-in ballots.

However, the majority of first nations - 334 reserves - have adopted "band custom codes," each tailored to the community's specific preferences and traditions.